Newser Story Index from December, 2007
Welcome to the Newser Story Index. Here you find stories written by Newser writers and editors, assembled with supporting photos and videos from the files of the news story.
LA Murder Rate Plummets
Los Angeles Times
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Dec 24, 2007 6:44 AM CST
(Newser) -
The murder rate in Los Angeles has sunk to its lowest in nearly 40 years, the Los Angeles Times reports. There have been 368 killings in the City of Angels this year, down from over 1,000 in 1992. The last time the murder rate was so low was 1970, when LA had 1 million fewer people, guns were less prevalent on the streets, and gangs were a smaller...
Is Apple Trying to Silence Fake Steve Jobs?
Fake Steve Jobs
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Dec 24, 2007 6:16 AM CST
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Is Apple trying to shut down Fake Steve Jobs? Real Steve Jobs has said he finds his impersonator’s satirical blog amusing, but now Fake Steve writes that Apple has offered him $500,000 to quit, at one point threatening to sue him if he declined. FSJ stood on principle and turned down the money … assuming any of this really happened.
Party of Exiled Thai PM Ready to Govern
Associated Press
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Dec 24, 2007 5:47 AM CST
(Newser) -
Samak Sundaravej is set to become Thailand's next prime minister after his party announced today that it had recruited at least one other party to form a coalition government, the AP reports. The People's Power Party, the bloc allied with deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra, won yesterday's elections but fell short of an absolute majority.
Third Team Turns Skin Into Stem Cells
Reuters
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Dec 24, 2007 4:40 AM CST
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A third team of scientists has successfully turn skin cells into stem cells that can be coaxed into becoming any kind of tissue. The American researchers are the first group to manage the feat with a volunteer's cells, not cells grown in a lab, which demonstrates that such cells could be widely available.
US Billions in Pakistan Wasted
New York Times
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Dec 24, 2007 4:20 AM CST
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Billions of dollars the US gave to Pakistan to bolster counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda apparently have been diverted to prop up President Pervez Musharraf's government and finance weapons systems aimed at India, reports the New York Times. Because the US has failed to properly monitor military aid programs, progress against terror organizations...
North Korea Stalling on Nuke Deal
Associated Press
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Dec 24, 2007 4:15 AM CST
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North Korea is balking at US demands that it demolish a cooling tower at its main nuclear complex and get rid of unused fuel, the AP reports. Officials insist they want the benefits from the next stage of the disarmament deal first. The US warns that North Korea could restart its reactor in just three months if it doesn't get rid of the tower and fuel.
Scientists Spot 6 Giraffe Species
BBC
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Dec 24, 2007 3:40 AM CST
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Giraffes had long been thought to be one species with several subspecies, but researchers now believe they have identified six distinct species—some of which are on the brink of extinction, reports the BBC. Only 160 Nigerian giraffes remain. But there's hope the researchers' find will spur greater conservation efforts.
Mike's Church Trip Annoys Catholics
Reuters
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Dec 24, 2007 3:34 AM CST
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Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee may have alienated some Catholic supporters with yesterday's visit to Cornerstone, the mammoth evangelical church in Texas run by controversial pastor John Hagee. Hagee has suggested that the Roman Catholic Church played a part in the Holocaust, though the outspoken preacher claims he is not anti-Catholic,...
Rampaging Bad Santas Shut Down Movie Theater
Stuff (NZ)
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Dec 24, 2007 2:47 AM CST
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What the ho? Moviegoing New Zealanders were forced out of a theater when some 50 drunken hooligans dressed as Santa invaded a cineplex, trashing posters and other property, shouting "Ho f---ing ho!" and setting off a fire alarm before running off. Police think the troublemakers were college students, but they couldn't be identified on security...
E. Carolina Wins Hawaii Bowl
Associated Press
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Dec 24, 2007 1:01 AM CST
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Despite a late Boise State comeback in the final minutes of regulation, East Carolina and MVP Chris Johnson are Hawaii bowl champions, the AP reports. A field goal at the end of regulation gave the Pirates a 41-38 victory over the favorites 24th-ranked Boise State. The victory is East Carolina's first in the post season since 2000.
Redskins Beat Vikings, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
Washington Post
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Dec 24, 2007 12:29 AM CST
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With the final NFC playoff spot on the line, Washington overpowered Minnesota 32-21 last night, the Washington Post reports. Now, with a win next week against Dallas, or if the Vikings and Saints both lose, the Redskins earn a berth. The Vikings merely needed to win this game, but were consistently stymied on offense by excellent play from Washington's...
Rangers' Woes Continue Against Sens
New York Times
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Dec 23, 2007 11:51 PM CST
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"It's just tough to lose this game. We need this one," said Rangers' goalie Henrik Lundqvist after last night's 3-1 loss to Ottawa, the New York Times reports. The defeat marks New York's eighth in their last ten games. Chris Kelly, Mike Fisher and Jason Spezza scored for Ottawa. Scott Gomez had the Rangers' lone goal, minutes into the...
Niners Victorious as Tampa Gears up for Playoffs
Associated Press
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Dec 23, 2007 11:24 PM CST
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The 49ers proved nearly not up to the task of dealing with Tampa's second string, as quarterback Jeff Garcia and many other starters were removed before the half, the AP reports. Still, SF did manage to eke out a 21-19 victory to win their second straight, as QB Shaun Hill threw for 123 yards and three TDs. In other NFL action:
Aussies Censor Internet
Ars Technica
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Dec 23, 2007 11:20 PM CST
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Australian Internet users are getting wary about new regulations meant to keep minors away from mature content, Ars Technica reports. A stringent new ratings system to be introduced in January is meant to stop kids from accessing adult-oriented content, but critics say it will be child's play to get around, and means adults will have to surrender some...
Americans Falling Behind on Credit Cards
Associated Press
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Dec 23, 2007 10:35 PM CST
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It’s already looking like an iffy New Year for many credit-card holders: the number of Americans falling behind on their payments spiked sharply this year and analysts don’t expect 2008 to be much brighter. The value of credit card accounts at least 30 days late surged 26% in October to $17.3 million, the AP found. Defaults—when lenders...
Seahawks Henpeck Ravens for NFC 3 Seed
Associated Press
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Dec 23, 2007 10:23 PM CST
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Troy Smith, winner of the 2006 Heisman Award with Ohio State, had a forgettable first start for the slumping, injury-decimated Ravens in a 27-6 Seahawks victory. Seattle clinched the NFC's 3rd seed with a game to go, and wideout Bobby Engram improved his season receptions total to 90—a new club record.
Turks Launch Second Straight Air Strike in Northern Iraq
Washington Post
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Dec 23, 2007 10:15 PM CST
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A fleet of Turkish warplanes bombarded northern Iraq for a second straight day today in its ongoing campaign against Kurdish separatists. The air strike lasted for an hour but resulted in no casualties because the area's villages had already been evacuated, reports the Washington Post . Once again the US sympathized with Turkish concerns about Kurdish...
Peyton, Colts Blow by Houston
Houston Chronicle
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Dec 23, 2007 10:12 PM CST
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Indianapolis, firmly entrenched in the No. 2 spot in the AFC, didn't take the day off as Peyton Manning threw three touchdowns and the Colts rolled up 458 yards of offense in a 38-15 thrashing of Houston. Two of the Colts' scoring drives exceeded 90 yards. "We got our tails kicked," Texans coach Gary Kubiak told the Houston Chronicle .
Soldier Saves Disabled Iraqi Youngster
Associated Press
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Dec 23, 2007 10:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
Ala Eddeen was destined for a miserable, perhaps short life. Born with cerebral palsy, the 9-year-old orphan was on his way to an institution where at best "he would stare at a blank wall for the rest of his life," says Scott Southworth, a US military officer who managed against all odds—Iraqi law prohibits foreigners from adopting...
Orlando Falls to Big... Four?
Orlando Sentinel
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Dec 23, 2007 9:58 PM CST
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Boston avenged one of its season's three losses with a home drubbing of swooning Orlando, 103-91. The surprise was the offense provided by second-year point guard Rajon Rondo, who hit a rare pair of treys en route to 23 points, tying his career high. He was one of four Celts to top twenty points.
Rocket: 'The Answer Is No'
New York Times
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Dec 23, 2007 9:29 PM CST
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Roger Clemens shot back against steroid allegations today, posting a video online in which he says, "I did not use steroids, or human growth hormone and I've never done so." In the less than two minute video, the Rocket refutes information provided in George Mitchell's report by former trainer Brian McNamee, saying it "is simply...
Israel Plans to Expand Settlements
New York Times
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Dec 23, 2007 9:28 PM CST
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The road to Arab-Israeli peace could take yet another detour, the New York Times says, after Israel announced plans today to seek funding for the expansion of two Jewish settlements in areas Palestinians hope to claim for a future state. The two sides are expected to meet tomorrow, but Palestine’s chief negotiator warned the talks would have...
Jags Pound Raiders, Headed to Playoffs
San Jose Mercury News
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Dec 23, 2007 9:22 PM CST
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The Jacksonville Jaguars pulled together 437 yards en route to clinching a playoff spot this afternoon, embarrassing the Raiders 49-11, the San Jose Mercury News reports. Oakland had twice the penalties and half the yards that Jacksonville racked up, and had defensive tackle Warren Sapp thrown out of the game in a flurry of unsportsmanlike conduct...
Browns Playoff Hopes Take a Hit at Cincy
Associated Press
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Dec 23, 2007 8:59 PM CST
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Cincinnati gave Cleveland a different look in their second matchup of the season: they showed up on defense, reports AP, picking off Browns quarterback Derek Anderson four times and hanging on for a 19-14 win. The Bengals scored twice in 39 seconds in the second quarter. Backup Kenny Watson rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown to pace the offense.
Win Over Jets Gives Titans Playoff Chance
Associated Press
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Dec 23, 2007 8:31 PM CST
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The Titans and the Jets each gave up two turnovers in this afternoon's game, which Tennessee won 10-6 to keep their postseason hopes afloat. Kyle Vanden Bosch accounted for three of the Titan's six sacks of Chad Pennington, while New York countered with three sacks of Vince Young, AP reports.
Pats 15-0, Brady Ties Marino
Associated Press
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Dec 23, 2007 7:52 PM CST
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The New England Patriots blasted past the current Miami team to come one step closer to matching the '72 Dolphins' perfect season record. Tom Brady lobbed three touchdown passes in the 28-7 win, pulling even with Dan Marino's 48 TDs in the 1984 season, and ending up just one short of Peyton Manning's 49 in 2004, AP reports.
Green Bay Gets Iced in Chicago
Chicago Tribune
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Dec 23, 2007 7:30 PM CST
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The host Chicago Bears hardly looked eliminated from the playoffs as they whipped Green Bay today, 35-7. The Packers entered the game fighting for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but left with no shot at that after giving up two interceptions and two blocked punts, reports the Chicago Tribune . The Bears' 11-minute, 18-play opening drive...
Kobe Youngest to Score 20,000
Associated Press
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Dec 23, 2007 7:15 PM CST
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With a 39-point strike at Madison Square Garden today, Kobe Bryant became the youngest player to score 20,000 points, beating Wilt Chamberlain by 12 days, the AP reports. Though the Knicks made a game of it late, their disgusted home crowd chanted “Fire Isiah” and roared for Kobe as he led the Lakers to a 95-90 victory.
Giants in Playoffs After Win in Buffalo
New York Times
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Dec 23, 2007 7:02 PM CST
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The New York Giants overcame numerous obstacles against the Bills today: the weather, five fumbles by their starting quarterback, and the emotional return to Buffalo of injured tight end Kevin Everett. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw each topped 140 yards rushing, and the Giants bounced back from an early 14-point deficit to win 38-21 at Buffalo,...
Bill and Hill: Campaigning or Competing?
New York Times
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Dec 23, 2007 6:47 PM CST
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Caught up again in what she calls the Clintons' "conjugal psychodrama," New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd says there is "panic and perplexity" in the Hillary camp about whether the prospective First Laddie is helping or hurting things. “For the first time since the Marc Rich pardon,” Dowd quotes a Clinton friend,...
Retailers Slash Prices to Boost Slumping Season
Bloomberg
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Dec 23, 2007 6:43 PM CST
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Retailers slashed prices nationwide this weekend in a bid to draw last-minute shoppers and lift a slumping holiday season, Bloomberg reports. Pressed by high gas and food prices, consumers are holding out for zero-hour deals; retailers have obliged with half-off sales and extra hours, counting on the last days before Christmas for 9% of season sales.
Nepal to Ax Monarchy, Install Republic
BBC
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Dec 23, 2007 6:09 PM CST
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After almost three months of deadlock, Nepal agreed today to end its 240-year-old monarchy and set up a republic, the BBC reports. Maoist rebels, who had walked out in October and staged violent protests, struck the deal with Nepal's leaders, which will go into effect after elections next spring.
Denzel's Bad Boy Roles Are All Good
Washington Post
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Dec 23, 2007 5:29 PM CST
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Denzel Washington has been playing bad boys lately, and it's a good thing for black America, Mark Anthony Neal argues in the Washington Post . Washington's turns as a drug lord and corrupt cop in recent flicks have sparked slams that he's catering to white America by playing crooks, but Neal believes that Washington and black Americans are hungry...
Moon to Make Rare Pass Over Mars Tonight
Space.com
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Dec 23, 2007 4:54 PM CST
(Newser) -
Scanning the heavens for a sighting of Santa tonight? Star-gazers will also see the full moon appear to pass just over Mars, which is still glowing a strong yellow-orange color. Skygazers farther north and west will get the best view—especially in the Pacific Northwest, western Canada, and Alaska—where the moon will visibly hide, or "occult,"...
Book of Secrets Opens Big
Variety
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Dec 23, 2007 4:25 PM CST
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National Treasure: Book of Secrets dug up $45.5 million this weekend, taking top spot and spurring record sales at a time often stymied by Christmas prep, Variety reports. I Am Legend helped by clearing $34.2 million in second place, and Alvin and the Chipmunks kept singing with $29 million in third.
US to Privately Grade Mideast Peace Plan
Reuters
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Dec 23, 2007 4:02 PM CST
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Washington will secretly score Israeli and Palestinian adherence to the "road map" peace plan and hash out results with each side, Reuters reports. US diplomats plan to report to the White House on Israeli settlement growth and Palestinian vows to curb militants, two keys to the peace deal—but critics question the value of such secret...
Docs Try to Diagnose Tiny Tim
LiveScience
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Dec 23, 2007 3:39 PM CST
(Newser) -
Armchair physicians across the web are trying to solve one of literature’s greatest mysteries: what the heck was wrong with Tiny Tim? All we know is that Dickens’ wretch was a small, sick, crutch-wielder, who was prone to weakness and doomed unless ol’ Ebeneezer loosened his purse strings. It’s not much to go on, but LiveScience...
NH Paper Gives Mitt the Anti- Endorsement
New York Times
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Dec 23, 2007 3:13 PM CST
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Newspapers roll out endorsements every election cycle, but there’s nothing traditional about the Concord Monitor’s anti-endorsement today—the New Hampshire paper urged its readers to vote for someone, anyone, other than Mitt Romney. The paper calls Romney “a disquieting figure who sure looks like the next president and most...
Go Ahead, Spoil Yourself
Conde Nast Traveler
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Dec 23, 2007 3:03 PM CST
(Newser) -
Wave goodbye to the winter blues and hello to blue skies at these luxurious spa resorts selected by Conde Nast Traveler: The Nam Hai, Vietnam Las Ventanas al Paradiso, Los Cabos Banyan Tree Seychelles
1M Bangladesh Cyclone Survivors Still Homeless
Reuters
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Dec 23, 2007 2:40 PM CST
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Five weeks after Cyclone Sidr tore through Bangladesh, more than 1 million people still lack basic shelter, reports Reuters. While rebuilding efforts continue, the Red Cross says the country suffers from acute lack of funding. The cyclone killed 3,300, laid waste to 1.5 million homes, and destroyed 1 million tons of rice crops.
Italians Fuss Over Airline Takeover
Reuters
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Dec 23, 2007 2:20 PM CST
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News that Italy's national airline, Alitalia, is in danger of being taken over by Air France-KLM, the world's biggest airline by revenue, has sparked outrage among Italian interests who fear their local carrier will be stripped of major routes. The government promises to decide Alitalia's fate by mid-January, as politicians and labor leaders urge Rome...
Holiday Cheer Visits the Dead
New York Times
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Dec 23, 2007 2:12 PM CST
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Across the country, cemeteries are starting to look a lot like front lawns, the New York Times reports. Christmas trees, lights, garlands, and even free-standing Santas surround the dead. “The shopping, the dinners, the parties—you escape all that,” said one decorator. “It’s comforting.” But cemetery honchos are...
Le Beau Sarko Vexes French
Guardian (UK)
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Dec 23, 2007 1:20 PM CST
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He ain't your daddy's Jacques Chirac, and French president Nicolas Sarkozy's escapades have his countrymen both enthralled and concerned, reports the Guardian . His rollercoaster love life provides delicious gossip to a public that buys "I love Sarko" skivvies, and the tiny dynamo poses for intimate photo shoots and traipses around Disney...
Catholics Now No. 1 in Britain
Telegraph (UK)
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Dec 23, 2007 12:47 PM CST
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For the first time in 400 years, Catholicism has more adherents than the Church of England in Great Britain, the Sunday Telegraph reports. Immigrants from Eastern Europe and Africa have filled the pews of Catholic churches, while attendance at Anglican Sunday services has dipped 20% since 2000, according to a survey of English churches.
Olmert Nixes Hamas Truce: 'This War Will Continue'
BBC
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Dec 23, 2007 12:19 PM CST
(Newser) -
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today refused to consider a truce with Hamas until the militant Palestinian group recognizes Israel and halts attacks in Gaza, reports the BBC. Olmert told government officials that Israel is gaining ground in stopping rocket attacks, of which 1,000 have hit Israel since Hamas seized power in June. "This war...
A Tale of 2 (Rich) Candidates
New York Times
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Dec 23, 2007 11:52 AM CST
(Newser) -
John Edwards and Mitt Romney are both self-made millionaires who used their wealth to climb the political ladder, the New York Times reports. But Edwards is an old-school populist who chalks up the current 1920s-level income gap to Reaganesque policies eroding the middle class, while Romney thinks the key to growth is laissez-faire economics.
Iraq Seeks to Break Up Sunni Fighter Units
Associated Press
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Dec 23, 2007 11:20 AM CST
(Newser) -
Iraq's Shiite-dominated government is demanding that Sunni militias who are helping fight Islamic extremists eventually disband, fearing they will otherwise turn into their own military force. The militias, called Awakening Councils, or Concerned Local Citizens, comprise more than 70,000 Iraqis, including former insurgents, and are funded by the United...
7 Common Medical Myths
LiveScience
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Dec 23, 2007 10:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
Some medical misconceptions are so widespread that even doctors believe them. LiveScience rounds up the seven biggest myths, according to the British Medical Journal : We only use 10% of our brains You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day Fingernails and hair grow after death
South Korea Bounces Reign of Baby Boys
New York Times
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Dec 23, 2007 10:10 AM CST
(Newser) -
Shedding an age-old preference for sons, South Korea has in the last two decades become the first Asian country to reverse a large sex imbalance at birth. A radical shift in Koreans' attitude toward female babies—and toward working women—has brought down the rate of sex-selection abortion, the New York Times reports.
Rolling Stone Picks 2007's Best
Rolling Stone
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Dec 23, 2007 9:30 AM CST
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Rolling Stone has picked its top 100 songs of 2007, and they span the genres from country to disco. The top 10: "Roc Boys"—Jay Z "A Few Words in Defense of Our Country"—Randy Newman "Umbrella"—Rihanna "D.A.N.C.E"—Justice "Four Winds"—Bright...
